The Effect of Acupuncture on Blepharoptosis and Diplopia in Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture therapy on relieving ocular symptoms in resistant Ocular Myasthenia Gravis (OMG). Case: In this pilot study, three patients with OMG were offered ten sessions of acupuncture therapy, twice weekly, while they received their routine medical treatment. Their symptoms included ptosis and diplopia. Subjective impression of changes was assessed based on Ocular-quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scoring before and after treatment sessions. Conclusion:All three patients enrolled in this study showed resolution of diplopia. Their subjective impression of symptoms was improved. However, the score of ptosis did not improve considerably. Acupuncture is another choice for reducing ocular symptoms besides conventional treatment in resistant Ocular Myasthenia Gravis (OMG). However, future randomized controlled trial studies are needed to approve this issue.

Keywords

• Myasthenia gravis Acupuncture Complementary & alternative medicine